Becca Choules

Funeral service to take place on Thursday, March 12 followed by wake in The Red Lion

The family of Dolly Saville, the world’s oldest barmaid who died last week aged 100, have paid tribute to the ‘unforgettable’ character.

Mrs Saville began pulling pints behind the bar of The Red Lion in Wendover in 1940 and was still working when he landmark birthday rolled around in April last year.

She is irreplaceable and unforgettable. She was a very special person.

Dolly’s granddaughter Kim Leemans

She passed away surrounded by her family at her home in Wendover on Tuesday, February 24, and now a big knees-up has been planned at the Red Lion to honour the barmaid’s many decades of dedication to her job.

All are welcome to the funeral service at St Mary’s Church in Wendover on Thursday, March 12 which is to be followed by a wake at The Red Lion in Wendover High Street.

Following the church service, there will be a cremation at Amersham Crematorium to be attended by family only.

Mrs Saville’s granddaughter Kim paid tribute to the woman she called ‘Nan’, saying: “She is irreplaceable and unforgettable. She was a very special person and very special to us.

“We have been overwhelmed by cards, and letters written about her inside cards.

“We had a letter from one lady who had first started working with Nan when she was 16, and she said that Nan had told her: ‘a job worth doing is worth doing well’, and she said that’s stuck with her ever since.

“She took each generation by the hand, guiding and helping where necessary and ensuring good family values.

“As a Mother, Nan, Great Nanna and Great-Great Nanna, she may now have let go of our hands but we will all hold her forever in our hearts.”

Jonathon Swaine, managing director of Fuller’s Inns which owns The Red Lion, said: “We are all saddened by the news of Dolly’s passing – she was not only a popular team member but a huge part of the community within Wendover and a true asset to the Red Lion and Fuller’s alike.

“We were delighted that we had the chance to celebrate her 100th birthday last year with a special celebration at the Red Lion.

“Our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, her colleagues and indeed her faithful customers at this difficult time.”